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E. K. SLADE

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 11, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 50.

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E. K. SLADE

By E. K. SLADE

Gospel Finance—No. 19

Wills

E. K. SLADE

As we better understand the purpose of God and the principle involved in our stewardship, we shall more fully comprehend how important it is to make proper provision for our property to be wisely disposed of in case of death. Many thousands of dollars which might have been used to forward the message have gone to those not friendly to the cause, through the neglect of duty in this matter. It is the purpose of the enemy to divert from the Lord’s work every dollar that he can, and he is ever alert to gain control of property which by our wise and faithful management may be saved for financing the work.
In “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, page 199, are found these remarkable words: “I was shown the awful fact that Satan and his angels have had more to do with the management of the property of God’s professed people than the Lord has. Stewards of the last days are unwise. They suffer Satan to control their business matters, and get into his ranks what belongs to and should be in the cause of God.”
On this point, though not speaking specifically of wills, is the following statement:— “God is displeased with the slack, loose manner in which many of his professed people conduct their worldly business. . . . Some leave their worldly business in perfect confusion. Satan has his eye on it all, and he strikes at a favorable opportunity, and by his management takes much means out of the ranks of Sabbath-keepers. . . . Those who should be wise heirs of salvation almost willingly let their Lord’s money slip out of their hands into the enemy’s ranks. . . . Satan and his angels exult over their success in this matter.”—Id., pages 199, 200.
It may be that less importance is attached to making wills at this late hour than in the earlier days of the message, for we have without question reached a time when opportunities for placing our property where it can help in the work, exist in a way in which they are certain not to exist in the near future. There are many, though, who should give careful heed at this time to words of counsel given regarding this matter.
“Many are not exercised upon the subject of making their wills while they are in apparent health. But this precaution should be taken by our brethren. . . . They should arrange their property in such a manner that they may leave it at any time.”—Id., Vol. IV, page 482.
“Many manifest a needless delicacy on this point. They feel that they are stepping upon forbidden ground when they introduce the subject of property to the aged or to invalids, in order to learn what disposition they design to make of it. But this duty is just as sacred as the duty to preach the word to save souls.”—Id., page 479. “There are aged ones among us who are nearing the close of their probation; but for the want of wide-awake men to secure to the cause of God the means in their possession, it passes into the hands of those who are serving Satan.”—Id., page 478.
Wills should be made with great care, and those who desire to make their wills would do well to counsel with their conference officers.
A will should not take the place of giving during the lifetime. There is much property among us that should be placed upon the altar. “Soon it will be too late to do anything. Soon our opportunities to work will have passed forever. . . . Only a little while longer shall we be permitted to labor, and then in heaven it will be said, ‘It is done.’” This should be a selling time to many who are adding to their possessions.
“But this death-bed charity is not what Christ requires of his followers; it cannot excuse the selfishness of the living. Those who hold fast their property to the last moment, surrender it to death rather than to the cause. . . . Dying charity is a poor substitute for living benevolence.” “I saw that many withhold from the cause while they live, quieting their consciences that they will be charitable at death. They hardly dare exercise faith and trust in God to give anything while living.”—Id., Vol. V, pages 154, 155.
To the writer these words are most